Family protests Connecticut killer's plea bargain

Thursday

The family of a 20-year-old Stratford man shot to death on his front porch last year is protesting a plea bargain taken by his shooter.

The family of a 20-year-old Stratford man shot to death on his front porch last year is protesting a plea bargain taken by his shooter.

The Connecticut Post reports that 24-year-old Wilfredo Martinez of Bridgeport pleaded guilty Wednesday in state court to reduced charges of second-degree manslaughter and carrying a pistol without a permit. He agreed to serve 10 years in prison for the July 30 killing of 20-year-old Noel Gonzalez. Sentencing is set for July 27.

Martinez was initially charged with murder, which carries up to 60 years in prison.

Prosecutor Joseph Corradino said the state reduced the charges after determining the killing was reckless instead of intentional. Martinez's lawyer said Martinez claimed self-defense.

Gonzalez's sister said the 10-year sentence wasn't enough for taking a life.

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